Author: Mark Elliott

This traditional right hand powder horn was a gift from a grandfather to his four year old grandson. He wanted a powder horn with my color fraktur scrimshaw that had his grandson’s name. I kept the powder horn simple with a relatively plain domed cherry base plug with a finial and turned Axis deer antler tip. The decoration was also intentionally minimal consisting of the name on the top of the powder horn where it is easily viewed with fraktur flowers and a heart wrapping around the rest of the horn.

The powder horn is 14″ around the outside curve and 11 1/4″ tip to tip not including the walnut stopper. The base plug is 2 1/4″ in diameter.

The bespoke price for a simple applied-tip powder horn is $215. Scrimshaw adds $200 and color adds another $100. The availability of any particular style, size or carry side of powder horn depends on my stock of raw horns. If you would like something like this powder horn, use the Contact page to get in touch with me, and we can discuss making you a similar horn.

Shipping/insurance a horn of this value is $25 . VA residents will have to pay an additional 5.3% to 7% sales tax depending on their locality.

Right or Left Hand Carry?

What is right or left hand carry? Simply, it is the side of the body on which a horn is intended to be worn. Historically, a curve of the tip to the left as viewed from the top is a right hand carry horn and also from the right side of the cow. A curve of the tip to the right would historically be a left hand carry horn and from the left side of the cow. If there is no significant curve of the horn as viewed from the top, then the horn can be easily worn on either side with no conflict. Most horns have so little curve it really doesn’t matter much and the modern pattern of carry is frequently opposite of the historical pattern.

Carrying a horn on the same side of the body as it came from the cow results in the tip pointing toward the body and the base pointing away from the body. I also like the base of the horn to point to ward the body, as do many modern wearers, so I usually use the opposite side horn and rotate it about 90 degrees so that both the tip and the base of the horn point into the body. This makes a horn from the left side of the cow into a powder horn you can carry on the right side of the body. This is my personal preference, but not generally historically correct. Historically, powder horns were usually carried on the same side of the body as they came from on the cow. If you want to be completely historically correct, you need to understand that.

Sometimes a horn that is technically a left hand horn might wrap around the body better on the right hand side and vice versa. So, in describing a horn, I will tell you whether a horn is historically a left hand or a right hand. Then I will tell you on which side the horn was built to be carried, if it is different. I will also try to include a photo from the top of the horn so you can see the curve for yourself. On which side you actually carry a horn, that is up to you.

Southern Banded Powder Horns

On this page I have some southern multi-banded powder horns. These types of horns are typically found in North Carolina and south. The single banded horns are covered on the Virginia Applied Tip Powder Horns page. All these horns have applied tips with most being screw-tips. If you see something you like, use the Contact page to get in touch with me, and we can discuss making you a similar horn.

This medium sized horn (Horn #50) is a traditional right hand carry inspired by the horns found in North Carolina. It is about 14″ around the outside curve and about 11 1/4″ tip to tip. The walnut base plug is 2 1/4″ in diameter hollowed out about 3/4 of it’s length. The applied-tip is Axis deer antler. The stopper is walnut.

This little horn (Horn #47) is a traditional left hand horn, but can be carried either way. It is about 12″ around the outside curve and 10″ tip to tip. The walnut base plug is 2.03″ in diameter and hollowed out about 3/4 of it’s length. The applied-tip is Axis deer antler. The stopper is walnut.

The following horn (Horn #42) is historically a right hand carry, but can easily be carried either way. It is about 14″ finial to tip, not including the stopper, around the outside curve. Tip to tip it is 11.5″. The base plug is 2.41″ in diameter. The base plug is hollowed out about 3/4 of its length. The Axis deer antler tip is pinned on. The base plug and stopper are both Black Walnut. There is a slight gap between the base band and the base plug, but it matches the grooves in the base plug.

The horn below is a particularly small one. It is pretty straight and could easily be, historically, either a right or a left hand carry; about 11″ around the outside curve staple to stopper. The base plug is a little less than 2 1/4″ in diameter. It has a screw-tip with a female thread. The base plug is hollowed out about 3/4 of its length.

The following horn (Horn #31) is historically a left hand carry, but is setup as a right hand carry. It can be carried either side without a problem. It is about 13 1/2″ staple to stopper around the outside curve. The base plug is a little less than 2 1/4″ in diameter. It has a screw-tip with a female thread. The base plug is hollowed out about 3/4 of its length.

The following horn (Horn #32) is historically a left hand carry, but is marked assuming a right hand carry. It can be carried on either side. It is about 15″ button to stopper around the outside curve. The base plug is a little more than 2 3/8″ in diameter. It has a screw-tip with a female thread. The base plug is hollowed out about 1/2 of its length. There is a slight gap between the base ring and the base plug, but the horn is air tight. This horn is also a little on the heavy side at 7.4 oz. All that being said, this is still a very nice looking little horn.

The following horn (Horn #33) is a big one inspired by some early Virginia horns in Jay Hopkin’s book. I think it would work well with my early Virginia shot pouch. It is historically a right hand carry, but I think it would work better as a left hand carry. It can be carried on either side. It is about 17″ button to stopper around the outside curve. The base plug is a little more than 2 5/8″ in diameter. It has an applied tip made up from horn and antler. The base plug is hollowed out about 3/4 of its length. This horn is actually very light weight for its size. It weighs 6.8 oz.

All these multi-banded, applied tip horns are priced at $275 plus shipping for a bespoke horn. Availability of any particular style, size or carry side of powder horn depends on my stock of raw horns. If you see something you like, use the Contact page to get in touch with me, and we can discuss making you a similar horn.

Shipping/insurance on a single multi-banded horn is $25 . VA residents will have to pay an additional 5.3% to 7% sales tax depending on their locality.

Right or Left Hand Carry?

What is right or left hand carry? Simply, it is the side of the body on which a horn is intended to be worn. Historically, a curve of the tip to the left as viewed from the top is a right hand carry horn and also from the right side of the cow. A curve of the tip to the right would historically be a left hand carry horn and from the left side of the cow. If there is no significant curve of the horn as viewed from the top, then the horn can be easily worn on either side with no conflict. Most horns have so little curve it really doesn’t matter much and the modern pattern of carry is frequently opposite of the historical pattern.

Carrying a horn on the same side of the body as it came from the cow results in the tip pointing toward the body and the base pointing away from the body. I also like the base of the horn to point to ward the body, as do many modern wearers, so I usually use the opposite side horn and rotate it about 90 degrees so that both the tip and the base of the horn point into the body. This makes a horn from the left side of the cow into a powder horn you can carry on the right side of the body. This is my personal preference, but not generally historically correct. Historically, powder horns were usually carried on the same side of the body as they came from on the cow. If you want to be completely historically correct, you need to understand that.

Sometimes a horn that is technically a left hand horn might wrap around the body better on the right hand side and vice versa. So, in describing a horn, I will tell you whether a horn is historically a left hand or a right hand. Then I will tell you on which side the horn was built to be carried, if it is different. I will also try to include a photo from the top of the horn so you can see the curve for yourself. On which side you actually carry a horn, that is up to you.

I just wanted to post a quick note about leather care. Leather dries out and cracks over time. I recently saw an old bag of mine that had been put away for several years and had cracked badly. Fortunately, the leather had not cracked all the way through and the bag could be saved. It just looks like it is a hundred years old now. That was not the look I was going for.

To maintain the appearance and functionality of a shot pouch, hunting bag, or any other leather goods, I recommend that it be oiled at least once a year; every six months would be better. I oil my leather goods with a high quality Mink Oil. Some people prefer Neatsfoot oil I think it gets a little gummy, but that might depend on the quality of the oil you use. As to the Mink Oil, I use Fiebings Mink Oil Paste.

Apply the oil/paste liberally with a rag and rub it in all the nooks and crannies and into the stitches. You don’t want to leave any white paste. After you have rubbed the paste in good, wipe off any excess. Then brush vigorously with a stiff horse hair brush to a sheen. Your leather item is now good for another six months.

I made this shot pouch and powder horn for a Virginian headed south to the Texas fight for independence. It represents late flint pouch from the central Valley of Virginia, and is based on an example from Rockingham Co, VA as documented by Madison Grant in his book on hunting pouches. The horn is my standard Virginia, single banded, screw-tip powder horn.

This approximately 8″ x 8″ pouch is a three piece design of 3-4 oz vegetable tan cowhide consisting of a back, front, and flap. The back and flap are connected by a separate panel that is perforated at the top for the straps which are sewn inside. The pouch is not lined, as most original pouches were not, but it does include a small hanging pocket suitable for balls or other small items. The bag is gusseted to increase the capacity; and all seams are welted which improves longevity. The flap and inside edge of the front panel are bound in goat or calf skin. All my leather work is hand sewn with a saddle stitch using waxed linen thread. The 6 oz leather strap is 1″ wide and is adjusted with a plain forged iron buckle. There is also a leather keeper to keep the strap end neat. The pouch is stained with a vinegar and iron solution which results in a dark brown to blue/black color through the leather. This is a chemical stain; not a pigment. It will not wash out. The outside and part of the interior of the pouch is rubbed with Mink Oil and then brushed to protect the leather.

During the construction process, the leather and the finished pouch was distressed giving it a well broken in appearance. Almost all my work is slightly aged. Hopefully, those of you who are re-enactors will not be accused of being farb on my account.

Click and drag your mouse cursor horizontally across the image to spin the powder horn below. You can use you mouse wheel (scroll) to zoom in and out. You must zoom all the way out in order to spin the horn.

Shown below is a slightly larger version (approximately 9″x 9″) of the bag above made for a fowler paired with a plain southern powder horn.
Pouch 44/Horn 48 – Late Flint Virginia Shot Pouch with a Plain Southern Powder Horn.- FrontPouch 44/Horn 48 – Late Flint Virginia Shot Pouch with a Plain Southern Powder Horn.- Back

You can obtain your very own pouch and horn outfit like the ones shown above for the following prices:

I am doing scrimshaw horns right now and this one is more traditional fraktur with geometric designs and stylized flowers. I skipped the color on this one except for the ferric nitrate stain giving a little yellow color to the horn.

This right hand horn is 14″ around the outside curve and 11.5″ tip to tip, not including the stopper. The cherry base plug is 2.48″ in diameter. The tip is horn and antler. The stopper is walnut. While this is a traditional right hand horn. the engraved panels are positioned so that they look right when the horn is worn on either side.

I am asking $375 for the horn plus $25 for shipping and insurance. The bespoke price for a horn with a turned base plug and an applied-tip is $215. Scrimshaw is $200. VA residents will have to pay an additional 5.3% to 7% sales tax depending on their locality.

If you would like this horn, use the Contact page to get in touch with me and mention horn #46.

Right or Left Hand Carry?

What is right or left hand carry? Simply, it is the side of the body on which a horn is intended to be worn. Historically, a curve of the tip to the left as viewed from the top is a right hand carry horn and also from the right side of the cow. A curve of the tip to the right would historically be a left hand carry horn and from the left side of the cow. If there is no significant curve of the horn as viewed from the top, then the horn can be easily worn on either side with no conflict. Most horns have so little curve it really doesn’t matter much and the modern pattern of carry is frequently opposite of the historical pattern.

Carrying a horn on the same side of the body as it came from the cow results in the tip pointing toward the body and the base pointing away from the body. I also like the base of the horn to point to ward the body, as do many modern wearers, so I usually use the opposite side horn and rotate it about 90 degrees so that both the tip and the base of the horn point into the body. This makes a horn from the left side of the cow into a powder horn you can carry on the right side of the body. This is my personal preference, but not generally historically correct. Historically, powder horns were usually carried on the same side of the body as they came from on the cow. If you want to be completely historically correct, you need to understand that.

Sometimes a horn that is technically a left hand horn might wrap around the body better on the right hand side and vice versa. So, in describing a horn, I will tell you whether a horn is historically a left hand or a right hand. Then I will tell you on which side the horn was built to be carried, if it is different. I will also try to include a photo from the top of the horn so you can see the curve for yourself. On which side you actually carry a horn, that is up to you.

I am doing more scrimshawed horns right now and trying some new things. This is my latest effort featuring a Carolina parakeet and a Northern Cardinal along with some fraktur flowers. I hope you like it.

This right hand horn is 14″ around the outside curve and 11.5″ tip to tip, not including the stopper. The cherry base plug is 2.29″ in diameter. The tip is horn and antler. The stopper is walnut. While this is a traditional right hand horn. the engraved panels are positioned so that they look right when the horn is worn on either side.

The horn is colored with a little ferric nitrate prior to starting the engraving giving it a light yellow base. The ink is Windsor & Newton drawing ink. I finished up with some Tried and True oil on both the wood and horn followed by a coat of wax.

I am asking $375 for the horn plus $25 for shipping and insurance. I collect the appropriate sales tax when shipped to a Virginia address. The bespoke price for a horn with a turned base plug and an applied-tip is $215. Scrimshaw is $200. The color is another $100.

Horn #44 – An applied-tip powder horn with color fraktur engraving of a Carolina parakeet and a Northern Cardinal- TopHorn #44 – An applied-tip powder horn with color fraktur engraving of a Carolina parakeet and a Northern Cardinal- InsideHorn #44 – An applied-tip powder horn with color fraktur engraving of a Carolina parakeet and a Northern Cardinal- BottomHorn #44 – An applied-tip powder horn with color fraktur engraving of a Carolina parakeet and a Northern Cardinal- Outside

This Virginia inspired powder horn has an applied Axis deer antler tip and turned black walnut base plug and stopper. The base plug has an acorn finial which was common on Virginia powder horns. The horn is technically a left hand horn, but is so straight it could be easily carried either way. It was engraved assuming right hand carry. It is about 13.5″ around the outside curve (not including the stopper), 11.5″ finial to tip, and with a 2.12″ diameter base plug. The horn has been stained with ferric nitrate to give it a slightly yellow base. Fraktur type engraving has been applied to the horn and the engraved designs colored with drawing ink.

The bespoke price for for a horn like this is $215 for the base horn (turned base plug with applied tip). Similar scrimshaw would be $200. Color added to the horn would be another $100. Then there is $25 shipping/insurance and any applicable Virginia sales tax.

This is a Virginia inspired, banded, applied-tip powder horn. It is a left hand horn that may be worn on either side. The tip is Axis deer antler. The base plug and stopper are black walnut. The horn has been dyed with ferric nitrate and gently aged. The horn is 13″ around the outside curve and 11″ tip to tip not including the stopper. The base plug is about 1 15/16″ in diameter.

A similar horn may be ordered for $235 plus $25 shipping/insurance and any applicable Virginia sales tax for Virginia residents. Use the Contact page to send me an e-mail if you are interested in having a horn made like Horn #40.

This is a powder horn that I have had on my build list a while and finally got around to doing it. It is a recreation of a horn shown on pages 334-335 of Jay Hopkin’s book Bone Tipped & Banded Horns. That horn was found in Virginia and the acorn is a Virginia motif.

The horn shown below is a technically a right hand horn, but is so straight it could be easily carried either way. It is about 12.5″ around the outside curve (not including the stopper), 10.25″ finial to tip, and with a 1.96″ diameter base plug. The screw-tip is horn and has a female thread as is typical on southern horns. The base plug and stopper are American Black Walnut.

I hadn’t initially intended to put color fraktur/engraving on the horn. However, the buyer asked if I could add a little something. So, I did. I hope he likes it. I have included photos of the horn both before and after the engraving.

The bespoke price for a horn like #39 is $280 for the base horn plus $25 shipping/insurance and applicable Virginia sales tax when shipped to a Virginia address. The engraving is another $200 with the color being an additional $100 on top of that. If you are interested, please use the Contact page to send me a note. Make sure to include the horn number (#39).

What is Fraktur?

Fraktur is the term for the illuminated documents created in the 18th & 19th centuries by German speaking immigrants to America. Fraktur is typically associated with Pennsylvania, but it can be found anywhere that large groups of German speaking peoples settled, including my home state of Virginia. Fraktur actually refers to the “fractured” or printed black letter Gothic font that is used in the documents. It is printed letter by letter as opposed to being written as continuous script. Fraktur is a form of calligraphy and some people use the terms interchangeably.

If fraktur documents just consisted of printed text, probably few people would pay attention to them or collect them. However, fraktur are very often, almost always, embellished with colorful decoration. Fraktur documents are filled with all sorts of familiar flowers, folliage, and birds. Some of the flowers and birds are easily recognizable, and some are just fanciful representations. Most of these images are rendered in primary colors; red, yellow and blue or some easy combination of those.

Most of the original fraktur are Geburtschein (birth certificates), Taufschein (baptismal certificates), family registers. You also see Haus Segen (house blessings) consisting of scripture or poetry colorfully illustrated. I create all of these and also marriage certificates. I am open to creating most any type of fraktur document. I have seen fraktur posters, flyers, and family trees.

Fraktur Documents

Below are examples of a hand lettered and hand colored Geburtschein , Marriage Certificate, Family Register, and a Haus Segen. These are my original designs, and are available printed on heavy weight, A4 size paper. Design 1 (used for the Geburtschein and marriage certificates below) is most appropriate for a Geburtschein, a Taufschein, or marriage certificate. Design 2 (used for the Haus Segan) is most appropriate for a a short prayer or verse as in a Haus Segan.

I will inscribe your’s or your loved one’s birth or baptismal record, or marriage record on Design 1 for $79. A short prayer or verse can be inscribed on Design 2 also for $79. The family register can be inscribed with any single family’s information for $89. These documents are all hand lettered and hand colored prints on A4 calligraphy paper of the original designs shown on this page . The documents on A4 paper are mounted on foam board and matted for a 11″ x 14″ frame. Shipping is $10, and there is 5.3% sales tax for VA residents.

You need to understand that these are not prints of finished works. I simply print a line drawing of the original design as a starting point. The paper may be aged or not; your choice. Then I re-ink the lines where I feel it is necessary, layout and inscribe the fraktur text using dip pens and calligraphy ink, add additional art where appropriate, and then do the coloring with period correct water colors. The hand coloring and lettering will vary from one document to another. No two documents using the same design are going to be exactly alike.

In addition to the hand lettered and hand colored prints of previous designs; I can produce an original, exclusive design; hand drawn, hand inked, hand lettered, and hand colored in any type or style you like. I can create an all original Geburtschein (birth certificate), Taufschein (baptism certificate), family register, Haus Segen (house blessing), marriage certificate, or a purely decorative work. Actually, I could create a fraktur style document to commemorate most any event.

A completely original small size document (A4 – 8.27″ X 11.7″, 60lb, hot press, Sennelier Ink & Calligraphy paper), mounted and matted for a 11″x14″ frame, costs $149. An large size document will be created on one quarter sheet (approx. 11″ x 15″) of Arches 140lb cold press paper (the best laid cotton paper you can get these days), mounted and matted for a 16″ x 20″ frame, will cost $179. Use the Contact page to inquire about such custom work. I will want to talk to you on the phone about it to make sure I understand what you want. I will then send you a contract with the details for you to sign and return with a check. I usually provide a sketch of the fraktur design for approval prior to inking and coloring.

Shipping, packaging and insurance on all paper items are $10. Virginia residents must pay 5.3% VA Sales Tax. Please allow two to four weeks for delivery.

Please use this Contact Form if you are interested in contracting for a fraktur document. Make sure to include your phone number so that I can call you about the project.

Haus Segen (House Blessing)

Please use this Contact Form if you are interested in contracting for a fraktur document. Make sure to include your phone number so that I can call you about the project.

Vorschrift

A Vorschrift is a lettering example usually done by school masters for the use of their students. Below is my Vorschrift Design 2 I did for my own reference, but I will also do a hand lettered and hand colored copy for you. It is available for $59 each.